motor school

[Greg 03]

Well something finally clicked today and I actually spent more time riding this beast than getting bucked off onto the asphalt by it. Yes, it's kind of amazing what kind of maneuvers can be accomplished but I'm still not a fan. Every last one of our bikes rides COMPLETELY different even though they're all identical. Totally fried two clutches today as well. Makes me appreciate my FJR even more and on the plus side it's gonna make me a MUCH better rider!

 

[Niehart]

Makes me appreciate my FJR even more and on the plus side it's gonna make me a MUCH better rider!

 

[Greg 03]

First week down, finished riding in the snow, and don't have anything permanently injured. I also was told I'm was ahead of schedule and have completed all but one of the obstacles. Next week is supposed to be better weather and hopefully my skills will improve drastically!

 

[SkooterG]

Woo-hoo! I am sure a couple days off to R&R will be hugely beneficial. Best of luck!

Riding in the snow! Got to love it. No snow around here, so the Motor Officer trainees get to take a loooong dirt ride on the old Kawasaki 1000 training bikes.

 

[Greg 03]

We're gonna ride some gravel roads next week and probably some grass fields as well... Seems crazy to me!

 

[wheatonFJR]

We're gonna ride some gravel roads next week and probably some grass fields as well... Seems crazy to me!

Yeah, who needs those adventure bikes anyways?
You just need more training!

Sounds like a very worthwhile spending of time. Any time spent getting better on a bike is well spent.

 

[Greg 03]

I've got no problem with the terrain choices, just the bike... I've had four different KLR's, a WR250F, and several ATV's so I do off road well, just not on a 850 pound knuckle dragger bike.

 

[steveoreno]

I would imagine riding it on less than ideal surfaces is good pursuit training.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Greg, your first, post class, non-training, drop will be on loose gravel in an intersection or median while you're making a U-turn. The gravel training is essential.

Steve...Hate to disappoint you, but most departments will not allow their motorcycles to be involved in pursuits. Pursuits are dangerous enough. Adding a MC to the mix is asking for huge liability issues....TV and some depts are ok with it.

 

[SacramentoMike]

My dad went on the Syracuse P.D. back in the early '40's and spent about 10 years on the Harleys (which he loved). Back then, they didn't have lots of rules, like no pursuits, or you have to wear a helmet, or take training courses. As a sergeant on the squad, he'd take his guys out and they'd race cross-country where he used to hunt pheasants. Guess that was training. And fun too, of course.

 

[Greg 03]

Greg, your first, post class, non-training, drop will be on loose gravel in an intersection or median while you're making a U-turn. The gravel training is essential.
-----Our secondary instructor actually showed us a dazzling case of how to wipe out in a corner. Nice new asphalt with fresh rain on it. Luckily I've only had one crash on the street with my own bikes but yes, I'm sure at some point I'll find a way to slam my Road King down and I'm sure it will be in a place with lots of witnesses!

Steve...Hate to disappoint you, but most departments will not allow their motorcycles to be involved in pursuits. Pursuits are dangerous enough. Adding a MC to the mix is asking for huge liability issues....TV and some depts are ok with it.

------ Our department already has pretty restrictive pursuit policies so I'm guessing that bikes are a no-no. Thanks for reminding me of a question I need to ask on Monday!

 

[Greg 03]

First sunny day we've had during my entire motor school... Did our testing today and I managed to pass. Pretty much had to rely on my right arm to make turns because I've torn something in my left shoulder or upper arm. I definitely learned a lot and have a new respect for motor officers. I'm sure this will make me a much safer rider and I'm looking forward to my field training time on the bike. I'm still a HUGE fan of the FJR and am completely convinced it is a gazillion times better than a Harley... don't know how an FJR would fare on our road course though. We're riding some of our 2012's back to the dealer tomorrow and hauling the broken ones in on a trailer, well the most broken ones. Even the rideable ones are beat to hell now. Today I fell hard and my Joe Rocket riding pants saved my knee. Yup, ATGATT!!!!

 

[Niehart]

Congrats. Not a easy thing to do even when all your parts are feeling good. Walking wounded and passing, that's a good thing.

 

[escapefjrtist]

Congrats. Not a easy thing to do even when all your parts are feeling good. Walking wounded and passing, that's a good thing.

Congrats Greg!

--G